Rehearse Before You Create

On Tuesday, I spoke to a group of creatives in Nashville (Twitter Stream).  One point that stuck with them was this simple thought, a quote from fellow creative David Lynch: "It takes four hours to get one hour of creative work done." 

After my talk, a great deal of the Q/A explored that mind blowing observation.  Why does it take so long, distraction? Nope.  Editing?  Nope, that's not part of creation.  

I recollected my application of this idea when writing Today We Are Rich.  After studying Lynch, I discovered one of his secret weapons: Rehearsing the act of creating. 

So, before I would start a writing session, I would go outside and putt the ball around the side yard - and rehearse writing.  I would speak it out loud (I'd outlined it prior), record it on my phone, then listen to my rehearsal on playback.  Then I delete it.  At some point, I'd visualized or audiblized it enough, then I'd drop my putter, run down to the studio and furiously type for an hour.  And 3000 words were born.  (I wrote Feed Your Mind Good Stuff in less than two hours, read it and see how it isn't over-edited or stilted.) 

Here's the takeaway.  You can't schedule time to be creative.  That's like scheduling time with your partner for sex.  It's an in-the-moment experience.  If you sit down to 'wham it out', you'll end up polishing a turd.  You'll spew, edit, delete, fix, re-edit and sqeeze the life out of your 'baby.' 

Most of us reserve rehearsal for life's big performances, but think about it: Creating is the ultimate performance and shouldn't be taken for granted.  Creativity is a burst of structured insanity, followed by a factory-line set of steps to deliver it to its intended target.  If you rehearse, even in your mind, what you are about to create, you'll likely induce that moment of birth.  See the photo shoot before doing it.  Visualize the Power Point or Photoshop session before sitting down to do it. Do the work!  

Comments

[Jonathan Ford]

As one who was a part of that discussion last week, I remember vividly how this concept rocked a room full of creatives. It makes perfect sense, although it had a revolutionary air about it. Have been implementing this "practice" already in my week - looking forward to realizing a greater efficiency in my creative process. Thanks for sharing!

[Martin Pigg]

I loved your comment, "You can't schedule time to be creative." That was a very frustrating and extremely important revelation for me as I began to blog a couple of years ago. And it's a truism that kept my sanity in check as I spent most of 2011 working on my first book.

My creativity tends to come in waves. And I've learned to ride the wave until it reaches the shore. And then I walk the dog or do the dishes...and wait for another wave.

Thanks again for your terrific book, "Today We Are Rich." It's a blessing for us to have your positive voice in the world, inspiring us to do our best work and live our Best Lives.

[Tim Sanders]

Thanks Chris - throwing the ball = same affect/effect.

Doug - you know me, a twisted fellow at every curve.

[Chris]

Great ideas Tim, I've heard a few people use a similar technique before writing... go outside and throw a ball around while thinking about the topic.

I am constantly falling into the trap of saying "OK I have to write a blog post, be creative NOW!". Let me tell you it never works.

Really enjoying the blog, all the best. Chris

[Doug Taber]

Great ideas as usual Tim, and so true. I also like your twisted humor in this one, polishing a Turd, love it.